Britons could get bank card charity prompt

Britons could be encouraged to donate to charity every time they use their bank cards under government plans unveiled Wednesday.

People could also be prompted to give money when they fill in their tax returns, apply for passports and other state services, the Cabinet Office ministry suggested in a consultation paper.

The consultation -- which runs till March 9 and will lead to firm proposals -- urged British banks to look at copying the Colombian system which allows customers to donate each time they withdraw cash.

It also looks at rounding up bills to the nearest pound and giving the difference to charity when paying by card.

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said the consultation was part of the governing Conservative Party's "big society" agenda, transferring power and responsibilities from the state to individuals and communities.

"Giving is too often caricatured as worthy and selfless, a one-way street, but there's nothing wrong with doing things for each other and repaying kindnesses," he said.

"If we can agree as a society the values that underpin helping each other we can unlock huge potential for a stronger, bigger society."